Warning - foolishly long RUclips comment ahead. My take as a single English guy travelling alone, on the places I visited on this list: 1 Meiji Shrine - Worth It. A truly beautiful place, that makes you feel like you have gone back in time. It’s also a fascinating feeling being there, when just moments ago, you were in one of the busiest places you have ever been. It is so peaceful there. 2 Tokyo Skytree - Worth It. Was it busy? Insanely so. I would say I spent more time in queues than looking at views. BUT the views were absolutely insane. An absolute sea of buildings, roads and rivers everywhere you looked. It was honestly jaw-dropping, and I would happily queue again. 3 Takeshite Street - Overrated. One of the busiest places I visited whilst in Tokyo, with wall-to-wall people all the way down the street. The busyness is super-fun actually, but the stores are largely very bland and touristy. I agree with the comments in the video - keep walking to the end of the street and you will find a large crosswalk with a big 3D billboard. Cross that road and the streets beyond are far more interesting. 4 Golden Gai - Worth It. This was so fun. I wandered around the streets of Golden Gai for a little while, just taking it in. It was fascinating to me. So many little places with four or five seats. With an extreme amount of courage, I finally picked one at random that had no cover charge and in I went. The bar I chose was called Bar Roundhouse Kick, and was staffed by the lovely Emmy-chan. No English was exchanged, but we muddled our way through, and I managed to order some tasty drinks. I had a lovely time with some locals, as well as English-speaking tourists. Many kanpai’s were had! 5 Shibuya Scramble Crossing - Worth It. One of my favourite places. In fact, I visited multiple times at different times of day just to take it in. As someone that lives in a very quiet, ancient place, full of 500 year old churches, it was very hard for me to wrap my head around what I was seeing. Bonus 5b - Shibuya Sky. Truly wonderful. I went in the morning, so it was genuinely peaceful. No crowds at all, and I could do whatever I wanted without waiting. A very different vibe to the Skytree - as mentioned. Seeing the crossing from above was mesmerizing. 6 Kabukicho - Worth It. I walked all over this area, having gone there to visit Godzilla, who I must say, was very well behaved. I also got to walk under the famous, red-lit archway, which I think was pretty cool. You do need to keep your wits about you here - especially at night. There are touts everywhere, and they will try very hard to get your attention and pull you into bars that you really should not go into! 7 Akihabara - Worth It. This was the first place I went after my first sleep in Japan. I walked there from my Chuo hotel and got there just before ten, so most things were still closed. I got to witness it in the morning and came back later that night to see both sides. It is a super touristy place, but at the same time, very Japanese indeed, and very much what you imagine Japan to be as a Western tourist. As someone who loves games and arcades, this was so very much fun for me, and I spent a lot of time in the GiGO arcades. 8 Don Quijote - Worth It. The Shibuya Mega Donki is like a Japanese Ikea with added madness. It is super busy, very large, and incredibly random, seemingly selling everything that exists. You will be bombarded with the theme tune the entire time, and will then proceed to sing it for the rest of your trip (and perhaps, the rest of your life). I recommend coming here on your last day to pick up lots of snacks and presents for the trip home. Overall, I loved every little thing about Tokyo, but then I am rather positive in general, and found the insane busyness to be genuinely amusing most of the time. Your mileage may vary! I chronicled all of this stuff on my channel if you are interested 😊 Thanks for the video, Tokyo Cheapo - your vids helped a lot whilst I was in Japan!
Kamakura being only an hour away by train is a must. Visit the Giant Buddha, the temples, make friends with the Sail surfers on the beach and enjoy the water, ride the seaside train down to Enoshima, eat some fresh seafood, explore the island, buy some souvenirs, enjoy some coffee watching the sunset, then go back to Tokyo with enough time to decompress and relax at the hotel.
Ameyoko is definitely overrated. Too many Chinese-owned stores catering to Chinese tourists that doesn't make me feel it's Japan anymore, and if not, selling overpriced touristy knick-knacks. I'd rather go to Yanaka Ginza or Sugamo for a more peaceful old time shopping street vibe. And any restaurants lined up with tourists only - give them a pass. Not worth the 1 hour wait unless you are only craving for that TikTok / IG thumbs up rather than the food itself. Ichiran - I agreed it's a bit overrated. It's good, but not that good worthy to wait for anything over 30 mins when other ramen shops are everywhere. If it's only a short wait / no wait, by all means give it a shot. They also have shops opened in other countries too.
Hey kids. Thankyou so much for all the videos and guidance. We are flying to Tokyo this weekend and are visiting Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka and also doing a day guided trip to Hiroshima as well as a trip to Nara (all in 10 days)! With all of your guidance we think we have a really fun packed trip planned. Really looking forward to using the bullet trains (and purchasing some amazing bento box es from Tokyo Station...yum! We'll let you know how we go.
My wife and myself are headed to Tokyo in May 2025. Thank you so much for this video for it helps determining what we are and not going to do. We will be there for 14 days, but there is so much to do trying to decide what to do is really difficult in these videos help
If you are not an otaku/gamer, then Akiba is super overrated. What you have is a really crowded shopping district with mostly specialty shops. Normies would have a better time in other more popular districts. If you are an otaku/gamer though, Akiba is a must visit, along with Ikebukuro and Nakano Broadway.
Can't really fault you with most of these... 1) Meiji Jingu - Kinda agree. Not a must see but nice anyway. 2) Asakusa: Agree - Overcrowded but you haven't been to Tokyo if you haven't been here at least once. 3) Skytree - Absolutely agree! I like the tower itself, but the view is not that great, it's terrible for night photography, and it's way overpriced. My favorite alternative: Mori Tower. 4) Ichiran - Don't know. In 19 trips to Japan never been to Ichiran, and still don't feel like I'm missing out. Good ramen shops are everywhere! 5) Takeshita Dori -Agree. Been there, done that, no need to go ever again. 6) Teamlab - Still haven't been....yeah, you should book ahead. 7) Golden Gai - Hard to day. Been there and had a good time, and for tourists this is still one of the more accessible places for such tiny bars. 8) Shibuya Crossing - Agree!. Iconic scene, have to go there at least once. 9) Tsukiji - Don't think so. Have been to the old market a few times, that was great. But now it seems just a tourist trap. 10) Kabukicho - Nope. There are similar areas all over Tokyo without the annoying touts.Just go to Ikebukuro or Shimbashi instead. 11) Ameyoko - Absolutely agree! My favorite area to stay, even when it has become very touristy in recent years. 12) Akihabara - Yes. Mostly for window shopping though. And go to Nakano to actually buy... 13) Donki - Absolutely! Mostly for snacks and drinks though. Love Loft and Tokyu Hands too, but just not the same thing. 14) Kawaguchiko - Mixed feelings. Been there en route when it wasn't so crowded, and had a good time. But as a day trip, not so much probably. 15) Hakone - Very much Yes! So much to see and do. Some parts very touristy, but also many placed not so. And both times I went I didn't even see Fuji-san and still had a great time! 16) Kamakura - Yes! Though still need to go again, only been once 16 years ago.
Excellent video that remembers what it's like to be a first timer. Asakusa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, and optionally Akihabara (you know if you need to go there) are all must do's for the first timer.
While I agree Kamakura is generally skippable on a first trip that's crammed with a trip to Kyoto, I think that kind of undersells how great it is to explore. I'd definitely be interested in a follow up episode covering more of Japan, be it another city's sights (Kyoto/Osaka) or just whether going to certain areas are worth it or overrated
Been to Tokyo twice (2016 and 2024). Other than the day trip ones, agree on all the places. When we went on 2016, it was not as crazy busy . I think for a first timer Don Quixote is fun but on our second trip this year, did not enjoy it as much. We also went into Ginza and Tokyo Station on our 2nd trip, that was cool to visit, especially Ginza as I always see it in movies and anime.
Hello there. I’m flying with my wife and sister in law on the 1st October from London to Tokyo and of course we are all excited. But regarding the golden gai area and the cover charge you mentioned, what do you prefer: a pub/izakaya without cover charge or one with? Because I heard some stories that if a place charge you cover charge, they charge ridiculous prices inside the place and some of them could be scams. Do you have any good places to go? Where they don’t do this kinda shit to foreigners and something that’s affordable as well?
In my experience, cover charge places in Golden Gai had slightly cheaper drinks. It depends how much you wish to spend. I chose no cover charge and paid a little more, as I was not sure if I would stay. I am lucky as the British Pound is currently very strong, so I did not feel as though it was expensive anyway.
Really, you're going to make a 500 yen cover charge and sway a decision to go into a cool place? You are paying for the experience,and a seat that hundreds of others also want. It's worth it!
Hello! This was a great video! Thank you so much for the tips! If you were to pick between Lake Kawaguchiko and Hakone for a first timer with family (we’re traveling in mid Nov!), which one would you?
Don Quijote is interesting to see as a store, but all the prices aren't that enticing. I'd much rather go to Seria or Daiso. They have amazing deals on items that are useful. Donki didn't have bargains on anything I'd like to take home with me or have a use for like bags, clothing items or electronic goods.
Kobe beef is overrated. Kuromon market is very overrated. Nishiki Market is NOT overrated. Mister Doughnut is overrated. Nara is overrated. Uji is not overrated.
Thank you guys for all your informative videos. Do you have one on Ramen at all as in the best in your opinion Ramen places in Tokyo? I'm coming to Japan in Feb next year with my kids, well young adults really, so have watched many of your videos really love Chris in the video about mistakes to avoid so funny..."Sure sure". My kids are looking forward to a small Jazz club that a Japanese friend told me about but is there any other cultural experiences we aren't there for long more a taster of Japan you could say but are staying in Osaka and will go to Kyoto and Nara.
Ichiran : Definitely overrated. This place is like a egg farm shack. There are hundreds of better ramen places in Tokyo Ameyoko : Definitely overrated. It used to be a nice place to visit, but recently it has turned like a China Town. Tsukiji Outer Market : Definitely overrated. So touristy and street food are outrageously priced. Local people do not go there
My wife and I have been to Fukuoka/Hakata 10+ times in the last 25 years and it is one of our favorite stops on the way to other parts of Kyushu like Beppu and Nagasaki. Not only it is a great little city to walk around in, hotels are also newer and way cheaper than other big cities.
The Tsukiji Fish Market is definitely overrated. Stay far far away. With Tokyo being such a massive city and time precious, extensive research is required. You do not spend time in places that are not required.
Whenever first-timers to Japan say that ICHIRAN is the best ramen in Japan or best ever...I roll my eyes so hard I almost fall off my chair. It's basically the McDonald's of ramen for me. Tokyo alone has literally 10,000+ ramen restaurants. Do a bit of research and don't believe the hype these influencer types spit, especially if it's their first time to Japan.
You can only say something is ovwrrated if you experience it. This video doesnt make sense if you are a first time traveler because you want to see all
I finally fly out for the first time in 7 days
Been waiting years for this holiday and looking forward to hitting up some of the spots in this video
Hope you have a great time!
I can feel you! It was my first time last year and we saved the money a few years for this trip - it was absolutely AWESOME! Have a great time 🇯🇵
Have a wonderful time. It's the coolest place I have ever been.
Warning - foolishly long RUclips comment ahead. My take as a single English guy travelling alone, on the places I visited on this list:
1 Meiji Shrine - Worth It. A truly beautiful place, that makes you feel like you have gone back in time. It’s also a fascinating feeling being there, when just moments ago, you were in one of the busiest places you have ever been. It is so peaceful there.
2 Tokyo Skytree - Worth It. Was it busy? Insanely so. I would say I spent more time in queues than looking at views. BUT the views were absolutely insane. An absolute sea of buildings, roads and rivers everywhere you looked. It was honestly jaw-dropping, and I would happily queue again.
3 Takeshite Street - Overrated. One of the busiest places I visited whilst in Tokyo, with wall-to-wall people all the way down the street. The busyness is super-fun actually, but the stores are largely very bland and touristy. I agree with the comments in the video - keep walking to the end of the street and you will find a large crosswalk with a big 3D billboard. Cross that road and the streets beyond are far more interesting.
4 Golden Gai - Worth It. This was so fun. I wandered around the streets of Golden Gai for a little while, just taking it in. It was fascinating to me. So many little places with four or five seats. With an extreme amount of courage, I finally picked one at random that had no cover charge and in I went. The bar I chose was called Bar Roundhouse Kick, and was staffed by the lovely Emmy-chan. No English was exchanged, but we muddled our way through, and I managed to order some tasty drinks. I had a lovely time with some locals, as well as English-speaking tourists. Many kanpai’s were had!
5 Shibuya Scramble Crossing - Worth It. One of my favourite places. In fact, I visited multiple times at different times of day just to take it in. As someone that lives in a very quiet, ancient place, full of 500 year old churches, it was very hard for me to wrap my head around what I was seeing.
Bonus 5b - Shibuya Sky. Truly wonderful. I went in the morning, so it was genuinely peaceful. No crowds at all, and I could do whatever I wanted without waiting. A very different vibe to the Skytree - as mentioned. Seeing the crossing from above was mesmerizing.
6 Kabukicho - Worth It. I walked all over this area, having gone there to visit Godzilla, who I must say, was very well behaved. I also got to walk under the famous, red-lit archway, which I think was pretty cool. You do need to keep your wits about you here - especially at night. There are touts everywhere, and they will try very hard to get your attention and pull you into bars that you really should not go into!
7 Akihabara - Worth It. This was the first place I went after my first sleep in Japan. I walked there from my Chuo hotel and got there just before ten, so most things were still closed. I got to witness it in the morning and came back later that night to see both sides. It is a super touristy place, but at the same time, very Japanese indeed, and very much what you imagine Japan to be as a Western tourist. As someone who loves games and arcades, this was so very much fun for me, and I spent a lot of time in the GiGO arcades.
8 Don Quijote - Worth It. The Shibuya Mega Donki is like a Japanese Ikea with added madness. It is super busy, very large, and incredibly random, seemingly selling everything that exists. You will be bombarded with the theme tune the entire time, and will then proceed to sing it for the rest of your trip (and perhaps, the rest of your life). I recommend coming here on your last day to pick up lots of snacks and presents for the trip home.
Overall, I loved every little thing about Tokyo, but then I am rather positive in general, and found the insane busyness to be genuinely amusing most of the time. Your mileage may vary! I chronicled all of this stuff on my channel if you are interested 😊
Thanks for the video, Tokyo Cheapo - your vids helped a lot whilst I was in Japan!
Kamakura being only an hour away by train is a must. Visit the Giant Buddha, the temples, make friends with the Sail surfers on the beach and enjoy the water, ride the seaside train down to Enoshima, eat some fresh seafood, explore the island, buy some souvenirs, enjoy some coffee watching the sunset, then go back to Tokyo with enough time to decompress and relax at the hotel.
Great video! Flying into Tokyo tomorrow. This was helpful.
Exciting!
Thank you for your videos guys. They really helped me prepare for my recent first trip to Tokyo.
Ameyoko is definitely overrated. Too many Chinese-owned stores catering to Chinese tourists that doesn't make me feel it's Japan anymore, and if not, selling overpriced touristy knick-knacks. I'd rather go to Yanaka Ginza or Sugamo for a more peaceful old time shopping street vibe.
And any restaurants lined up with tourists only - give them a pass. Not worth the 1 hour wait unless you are only craving for that TikTok / IG thumbs up rather than the food itself.
Ichiran - I agreed it's a bit overrated. It's good, but not that good worthy to wait for anything over 30 mins when other ramen shops are everywhere. If it's only a short wait / no wait, by all means give it a shot. They also have shops opened in other countries too.
Hey kids. Thankyou so much for all the videos and guidance. We are flying to Tokyo this weekend and are visiting Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka and also doing a day guided trip to Hiroshima as well as a trip to Nara (all in 10 days)! With all of your guidance we think we have a really fun packed trip planned. Really looking forward to using the bullet trains (and purchasing some amazing bento box es from Tokyo Station...yum! We'll let you know how we go.
Exciting! I hope to see Nara and Hiroshima on my second trip early next year. I bet it will awesome! Have a great time.
My wife and myself are headed to Tokyo in May 2025. Thank you so much for this video for it helps determining what we are and not going to do. We will be there for 14 days, but there is so much to do trying to decide what to do is really difficult in these videos help
nice video! arigatou gozaimasu Aimee and Yuta!
If you are not an otaku/gamer, then Akiba is super overrated. What you have is a really crowded shopping district with mostly specialty shops. Normies would have a better time in other more popular districts.
If you are an otaku/gamer though, Akiba is a must visit, along with Ikebukuro and Nakano Broadway.
My friend doesn't care about anything that has to do with games or Japanese animation and she loves Akihabara.
Akihabara is not overrated whether you are a gamer or not.
Can't really fault you with most of these...
1) Meiji Jingu - Kinda agree. Not a must see but nice anyway.
2) Asakusa: Agree - Overcrowded but you haven't been to Tokyo if you haven't been here at least once.
3) Skytree - Absolutely agree! I like the tower itself, but the view is not that great, it's terrible for night photography, and it's way overpriced. My favorite alternative: Mori Tower.
4) Ichiran - Don't know. In 19 trips to Japan never been to Ichiran, and still don't feel like I'm missing out. Good ramen shops are everywhere!
5) Takeshita Dori -Agree. Been there, done that, no need to go ever again.
6) Teamlab - Still haven't been....yeah, you should book ahead.
7) Golden Gai - Hard to day. Been there and had a good time, and for tourists this is still one of the more accessible places for such tiny bars.
8) Shibuya Crossing - Agree!. Iconic scene, have to go there at least once.
9) Tsukiji - Don't think so. Have been to the old market a few times, that was great. But now it seems just a tourist trap.
10) Kabukicho - Nope. There are similar areas all over Tokyo without the annoying touts.Just go to Ikebukuro or Shimbashi instead.
11) Ameyoko - Absolutely agree! My favorite area to stay, even when it has become very touristy in recent years.
12) Akihabara - Yes. Mostly for window shopping though. And go to Nakano to actually buy...
13) Donki - Absolutely! Mostly for snacks and drinks though. Love Loft and Tokyu Hands too, but just not the same thing.
14) Kawaguchiko - Mixed feelings. Been there en route when it wasn't so crowded, and had a good time. But as a day trip, not so much probably.
15) Hakone - Very much Yes! So much to see and do. Some parts very touristy, but also many placed not so. And both times I went I didn't even see Fuji-san and still had a great time!
16) Kamakura - Yes! Though still need to go again, only been once 16 years ago.
Excellent video that remembers what it's like to be a first timer. Asakusa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, and optionally Akihabara (you know if you need to go there) are all must do's for the first timer.
Senso-ji I would visit at night time. No crowds and it's still just beautiful
While I agree Kamakura is generally skippable on a first trip that's crammed with a trip to Kyoto, I think that kind of undersells how great it is to explore.
I'd definitely be interested in a follow up episode covering more of Japan, be it another city's sights (Kyoto/Osaka) or just whether going to certain areas are worth it or overrated
Great tips
Amazing list and very much like our experience in the same spots we skipped going to Ichiran all together in favour of more local ramen shops
I agree that Sky Tree is overrated because it's more beautiful to look at, rather than being in it and looking out
Been to Tokyo twice (2016 and 2024). Other than the day trip ones, agree on all the places. When we went on 2016, it was not as crazy busy . I think for a first timer Don Quixote is fun but on our second trip this year, did not enjoy it as much. We also went into Ginza and Tokyo Station on our 2nd trip, that was cool to visit, especially Ginza as I always see it in movies and anime.
Hello there.
I’m flying with my wife and sister in law on the 1st October from London to Tokyo and of course we are all excited. But regarding the golden gai area and the cover charge you mentioned, what do you prefer: a pub/izakaya without cover charge or one with? Because I heard some stories that if a place charge you cover charge, they charge ridiculous prices inside the place and some of them could be scams. Do you have any good places to go? Where they don’t do this kinda shit to foreigners and something that’s affordable as well?
In my experience, cover charge places in Golden Gai had slightly cheaper drinks. It depends how much you wish to spend. I chose no cover charge and paid a little more, as I was not sure if I would stay. I am lucky as the British Pound is currently very strong, so I did not feel as though it was expensive anyway.
Really, you're going to make a 500 yen cover charge and sway a decision to go into a cool place?
You are paying for the experience,and a seat that hundreds of others also want. It's worth it!
Hello! This was a great video! Thank you so much for the tips! If you were to pick between Lake Kawaguchiko and Hakone for a first timer with family (we’re traveling in mid Nov!), which one would you?
Don Quijote is interesting to see as a store, but all the prices aren't that enticing. I'd much rather go to Seria or Daiso. They have amazing deals on items that are useful. Donki didn't have bargains on anything I'd like to take home with me or have a use for like bags, clothing items or electronic goods.
Seria and Daiso are great recommendations
Awesome, can you do the same for Kyoto, Osaka Kobe area??? Im visiting in 2 weeks! >_
Kobe beef is overrated. Kuromon market is very overrated. Nishiki Market is NOT overrated. Mister Doughnut is overrated. Nara is overrated. Uji is not overrated.
Do you guys recommend one day trip to Hakone or a 2-3 day trip to Osaka/Kyoto for a 8 day trip to Tokyo?
Thank you guys for all your informative videos. Do you have one on Ramen at all as in the best in your opinion Ramen places in Tokyo? I'm coming to Japan in Feb next year with my kids, well young adults really, so have watched many of your videos really love Chris in the video about mistakes to avoid so funny..."Sure sure". My kids are looking forward to a small Jazz club that a Japanese friend told me about but is there any other cultural experiences we aren't there for long more a taster of Japan you could say but are staying in Osaka and will go to Kyoto and Nara.
You must eat at Menya Musashi.
Ichiran : Definitely overrated. This place is like a egg farm shack. There are hundreds of better ramen places in Tokyo
Ameyoko : Definitely overrated. It used to be a nice place to visit, but recently it has turned like a China Town.
Tsukiji Outer Market : Definitely overrated. So touristy and street food are outrageously priced. Local people do not go there
Any stores where I'm most likely to get good quality but affordable anime clothing, or cheap but good photography camera?
If only I want stay in the beach is worth it kamakura?
tell us about fukuoka/kyushu! Seems like such a great area that is little discussed
My wife and I have been to Fukuoka/Hakata 10+ times in the last 25 years and it is one of our favorite stops on the way to other parts of Kyushu like Beppu and Nagasaki. Not only it is a great little city to walk around in, hotels are also newer and way cheaper than other big cities.
Overrated is telling there are cheap0 places in Tokyo.
The Tsukiji Fish Market is definitely overrated. Stay far far away.
With Tokyo being such a massive city and time precious, extensive research is required. You do not spend time in places that are not required.
I just want to see a Japanese person in real life. Especially the pretty girls❤❤
Don Quijote not being worth it when it's such a quick walk by trip is wild lol
don't do it in Tokyo, do it in Osaka
golden gai is good for finding other english speakers . and alcoholics like me
Menya Musashi is NOT overrated! 😛
Whenever first-timers to Japan say that ICHIRAN is the best ramen in Japan or best ever...I roll my eyes so hard I almost fall off my chair. It's basically the McDonald's of ramen for me. Tokyo alone has literally 10,000+ ramen restaurants. Do a bit of research and don't believe the hype these influencer types spit, especially if it's their first time to Japan.
Hitachino Nest Beer - NOT overrated..
You can only say something is ovwrrated if you experience it. This video doesnt make sense if you are a first time traveler because you want to see all
They, having experienced it, are providing their opinions to the first timers. Capice?
@@lazyhusband EXACTLY. THEY. Capice?
@@GrR-c4s Providing their opinions…
Kyoto is overrated in my opinion
Shibuya and Don Quijote super overrated.
when you say expats you mean migrant workers? haha
Don Quijote is overated.